Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2015
219. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures involved if a board of management wish to let rooms in an existing primary school for the purposes of providing a preschool and after-school service; if such a service would have to be put out to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25246/15]
View answerIn general it is a matter for the relevant property owner and school authorities to determine how school facilities are used, subject to the terms of any existing lease on the property. The day to day management of school buildings is carried out at local level. It should also be noted that the vast majority of primary school buildings in the country are in private ownership. The Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure 2011 states that the use of school premises during the school day, for purposes other than regular school business must have prior approval from my Department.
School Authorities must also comply with relevant statutory obligations.
In general it is open to local communities to liaise directly with schools regarding the potential use of school facilities after school hours. My Department issued a Circular to primary schools in 2005 (Circular Letter Prim 16/05) that was intended to encourage Trustees and Boards of Management to consider, where appropriate, the sharing of school facilities with the local community. However, the Circular recognised that the decision ultimately lies with the relevant Board or Trustees and that the first priority at all times should be the interest of the school, its teachers and pupils. Any private or community crèche, whether located in a primary school or elsewhere, must be registered with the Child and Family Agency and compliant with the 2006 Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations. These Regulations come under the auspices of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as will the eventual Regulation of out of school or school aged childcare.
